Perry
from Chicago, IL

I have my first place after 4 years of homelessness and I need furniture to get a good night's sleep

This is the first place I've ever had on my own, and I need a futon and other furniture so I don't have to sleep on the floor.

Updates

Check out Perry's latest update! Jun 5, 2014

Perry stopped in to Chicago Lights to say hello this week. He looked so different from the first photo (left side) that was taken about a year ago when this need was originally posted! I wanted to share his most recent photo with the kind donors that truly changed his life. He is incredibly happy, has learned to cook, is now at a healthy weight, and lives each day to the fullest. Thank you again for all you did for him! He is truly thriving.

Perry's furniture arrived! Sep 3, 2013

I love my furniture. It is so beautiful! It fits my apartment just right. Everything was in perfect condition when it arrived. It looks nice! I'm just so proud and appreciate everything you did for me. God Bless You.

An update from Abby Aug 21, 2013

Perry's need has been fulfilled because of the kindness and generosity of donors! He will finally have the sweet dreams he deserves. Thank you so much for helping Perry on his path toward self sufficiency. He was heard telling people that he cannot wait to "pay it forward". You have truly helped change his life and for that I thank you! I look forward to posting an update from Perry once he receives his new furniture!

My need and situation

I need furniture for my new apartment. This includes a futon (to be used as both a couch and bed), a table and chairs for my kitchen, and another small table for my living room. Meeting this need will help me because the stress I have been feeling as a result of sleeping on the floor or not sleeping at all has begun to affect my health. Once I can get a good nights sleep my health will improve and I'll finally be able to truly enjoy having my own apartment and my new independence.

My goal is to truly get to embrace living in the City of Chicago. I want to give back to the city that has helped me so much over the years through volunteer work. I want to explore and become more involved in my new neighborhood. I want to be able to experience the city of Chicago as a resident instead of as a homeless train rider.

My current situation is that I recently got a senior apartment after living on the train and on the streets for 4 years. I am so excited to be in my own apartment for the first time in my life, but I don't have any furniture to put into my new apartment. Right now I am sleeping on the floor and it's becoming difficult with my age.

After my mother died and I became homeless my life completely changed. I've finally gotten the help I needed to get my own apartment and live on my own for the first time in my life. I just need a little more assistance so I can truly begin my new journey.

Right now, my biggest challenge is trying to pay my rent and bills while also having enough money leftover for household items such as furniture, groceries, toiletries, etc. Having safe shelter is the most important thing for me to pay for, so I haven't been able to purchase items such as a furniture.

I think of myself mostly as a person who is finally getting a second chance at life. During my homelessness I felt like I missed out on a huge portion of my life. Now that I have my own apartment I want to dedicate the rest of my life to continuing to improve myself as well as others who are in the situation that I used to be in.

I'm most proud of my strength and willpower to keep moving forward without giving up even when times are really tough.

I spent many years working at various gas stations and also as a cook at different restaurants.

Something interesting about me is that I really believe in doing the right thing and making the right decisions.

I feel really fortunate to have been given this second chance at a new life. I just need another helping hand to get me at a point where I'm not only safe, but can live a healthy life as well.

Recent supporters

Validated

Each need is validated by a nonprofit that knows the person and can verify that the help is necessary. Funds flow from Benevolent to the nonprofit, which then gets them to the person in need and lets us know how it went. Learn more »

I have known Perry since I completed my MSW internship at the agency in the Summer of 2012. He was always a delight to work with and I never forgot his name. When I was hired in March of 2013 I got to know Perry better through conversations at Sunday Night Supper. I began working with him through case management in April of 2013.

I think meeting this need is important because Perry has come so far in the past few months! He has proven he has the determination and strength to overcome any obstacle. After living on the train and streets for 5 years we were able to get Perry into a Senior Apartment. He finally has a safe place to go at night. Unfortunately, Perry doesn't have any furniture. As a result he hasn't gotten much sleep in the last month and his health has become poor.

This will move the recipient's life forward by giving him the comfort he needs to get a good night's sleep! As a result his health will improve and he'll be able to truly enjoy life as a senior in Chicago. He's so excited about giving back to those who have helped him in his time of need, but hasn't felt up to it since he hasn't been sleeping well.

Perry is one of the kindest individuals I've ever worked with. He so badly wants to become self-sufficient and in our few months of working together through case management he has made incredible strides. I'm really proud of his willpower and strength and am excited to see what the future holds for Perry.

About Abby

My work as Associate Director involves helping individuals on their path toward self-sufficiency through the coordination of case management and supportive services. I enjoy working closely with individuals toward goal setting and achievement. Watching people's lives change because of resource… Read more